Get a $500 rebate from Seattle City Light when you buy a qualified heat pump water heater.

A heat pump water heater is up to twice as efficient as a conventional electric water heater. Heat pump water heaters work like a refrigerator, but in reverse - while a refrigerator pushes heat from inside the unit out to the air around it, a heat pump water heater uses fans and an evaporator to pull warmth from the surrounding air and transfers it to water in the storage tank. Because it uses the warm ambient air temperature to do most of the work, it is a very efficient way to heat water.

Considerations when determining if a heat pump water heater is right for you:

Your new heat pump water heater would be located in a space with about 1,000 cubic ft.

For the most efficient operation, the air temperature where the water heater is installed should average 40 degrees F. or above.

Because the heat pump exhausts cool air in the area where it is located, the water heater should be installed in a location that would isolate cool air, or be ducted to the outside.

The mechanical components of a heat pump water heater generate noise - often significantly louder than a refrigerator. Consider the noise a factor in making your purchase decision.

Overall, the ideal location for a heat pump water heater is in a garage or unheated/unfinished basement, attic or crawlspace.

How to Apply:

Identify whether a heat pump water heater is suitable for your home: Visit www.smartwaterheat.org for more information. The Smart Water Heat web site was developed in partnership with Puget Sound utilities and the Northwest Energy Efficiency Alliance (NEEA).

Purchase and install a qualified model between January 1, 2015 and December 31, 2015. Installer (either contractor or homeowner) must receive manufacturer training prior to installation to be eligible for the rebate. Check out the resource list of qualified installers and get multiple bids if possible. Do-It-Yourself (DIY) installations are acceptable as long as homeowner receives manufacturer training through the manufacturer's online video or by other means. Manufacturers that offer installation videos: AO Smith; GE GeoSpring; Whirlpool. Check out the Do-It-Yourself installation tips for more information prior to installation. Please note that you may need a King County permit for your installation. Click here for more information about permits.